Ever since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2006, John Obi Mikel has been a regular fixture in the centre of Chelsea's midfield.

However, the Nigerian international spent the second half of last season on the periphery of the starting lineup and that could have encouraged Mikel to seek pastures new this summer.

With Michael Essien back with the squad after a successful loan period with Real Madrid and the incoming of Van Ginkel, Chelsea need to make space in their squad and that could mean the 26-year-old being considered expendable.

Mikel was linked with a transfer to Galatasaray last month, while he would expect to attract plenty of interest with some of the major clubs in Europe.